Re: VistaScape

[J. <jsloud2001<removeme>@netscape.net>]

On Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:45:56 GMT, "Roland" <roland@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

>I know there are some CCTV guys here. I know some service accounts with a
>ton of cameras. Someone here has to do seaports and airports and such. Does
>anyone here have any experience with VistaScape? If so does it work in real
>life anything like their (impressive) demo?
>http://www.vistascape.com/flashlauncher.htm
>

I've posted here about VistaScape a little in the past.  I've been
directly involved in two projects using SiteIQ.  It's really intended
for large outdoor settings.  Basically, it overlays data from
detection devices like visual or thermal cameras on preloaded GIS maps
to provide situational awareness.  It includes video analytics to
classify objects and to determine speed, direction, etc.  The objects
then appear as icons on the GIS map.  At this point you can set up
rules like virtual tripwires, directional rules, speed limits, or
vehicle type.  The unique thing about VistaScape is that it uses GPS
coordinates derived from known positions within the detection cameras'
fields of view.  You then know the position of every object of
interest.  Assesment cameras can then be linked to detection devices
to allow an operated to further investigate a threat.  They can take
inputs from other devices such as vessel tracking, radar,
etc...basically anything that provides a GPS coordinate, so it's not
necessary to have complete detection coverage provided by cameras.

It's very complex to set-up.  I spent a couple of days alongside the
VistaScape tech workin on a site.  Setting up the detection devices is
more of an art than a science and is really dependent on the data
provided. This may mean riding around in a boat with a GPS device to
get coordinates for a bunch of cameras.   For large scale video
monitoring, it's the best thing we've come across.  It's actually been
around for a while under most people's radar.  They used it during the
G8 Summit in Savannah that was probably 2 1/2 years ago.  I guess the
best evidence of it's effectiveness is Siemen's recent decision to buy
the company.